Inter Miami’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta United in Game 2 of the First Round of the MLS Playoffs was a tough blow, especially with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez failing to find their rhythm. In front of a packed crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Miami took an early lead through a controversial goal from Hector David Martinez, only to see Atlanta rally with two second-half goals. Miami’s defense was unsteady, and their attacking duo of Messi and Suarez couldn’t convert critical chances, leaving the team on the brink of elimination. Here’s a breakdown of how each Inter Miami player performed in this high-stakes match.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Drake Callender (6/10)
Callender did well to keep Miami in the game with three crucial saves, including a highlight-worthy stop against Atlanta’s Alexey Miranchuk. Unfortunately, he couldn’t prevent either of Atlanta’s goals, as both were a result of defensive lapses. His performance was solid, but he received little support from the backline when it mattered.

Hector David Martínez (6/10)
Martinez found himself in the right place to capitalize on a controversial goal, scoring after a scramble in Atlanta’s box. Although the goal wasn’t entirely his doing, he finished the chance with composure. Defensively, Martinez made some critical clearances but was partially at fault for Atlanta’s game-winning goal due to loose marking.

Noah Allen (8/10)
In an unexpected move, Allen started in place of Sergio Busquets, who missed the game due to illness. Allen shone in the sweeper role, handling defensive duties efficiently and making nine clearances. He prevented a clear scoring chance for Atlanta early on, showcasing his defensive awareness. Despite being Miami’s best defender on the night, he was substituted late in the game, a decision that many questioned.

Tomas Aviles (4/10)
Aviles struggled to make an impact, as he was frequently outmaneuvered by Atlanta’s attackers. His fouls added to Miami’s defensive issues, and he contributed little in winning back possession. Aviles’ lackluster performance reflected Miami’s struggles to contain Atlanta’s offense, particularly on set pieces.

Midfield

Jordi Alba (6/10)
Alba was creative in the first half, stepping up in Busquets’ absence. He delivered a notable through-ball to Messi, showing flashes of his world-class vision. However, his influence waned in the second half as Atlanta seized control, and he struggled to regain momentum. Alba’s form was promising early on, but he couldn’t sustain it as Miami lost grip on the game.

Federico Redondo (4/10)
Redondo’s game was defined by a controversial moment when he obstructed Brad Guzan’s goal kick, leading to Miami’s only goal. While he contributed an assist, he was largely invisible on both ends of the field and failed to provide stability in midfield. His contribution was underwhelming, and his assist, while fortunate, didn’t compensate for a poor overall performance.

Yannick Bright (5/10)
Known for his ball-winning abilities, Bright struggled to contain Atlanta’s midfield. He couldn’t stop the home team from creating scoring opportunities, and his offensive contributions were limited. It was later revealed that Bright was playing through a hamstring injury, which may have impacted his performance. His replacement, Benjamin Cremaschi, didn’t fare much better.

Marcelo Weigandt (6/10)
Weigandt put in a dependable shift, leading Miami in tackles and showing composure on the ball. While he didn’t have standout moments, he avoided mistakes and played a clean game defensively. Weigandt’s consistency helped Miami maintain some organization, although he lacked the spark to alter the game’s flow.

Attack

Lionel Messi (4/10)
This was one of Messi’s most disappointing performances in an Inter Miami jersey. The Argentine struggled to convert chances that he usually finishes with ease, missing a golden opportunity in the 83rd minute when he shot wide with his weaker right foot. Messi’s frustrations peaked when he was caught offside in the 90+2 minute after finally beating Guzan. Overall, Messi’s touch and timing were off, and he failed to deliver in a game where Miami desperately needed his magic.

Luis Suarez (4/10)
Suarez’s age seemed to show as he struggled to keep up with Atlanta’s defenders. He missed a clear chance in the second half that could have extended Miami’s lead, and his movements were predictable, making it easy for Atlanta’s defense to contain him. Suarez’s inability to link up effectively with Messi or threaten Atlanta’s goal was a major factor in Miami’s offensive struggles.

Diego Gomez (6/10)
Gomez had a promising start, creating a solid chance for Messi that went unfinished. However, his influence diminished as the game progressed, and he was substituted in the second half. While he showed some early creativity, Gomez couldn’t maintain his presence in the final third.

Subs & Manager

Benjamin Cremaschi (3/10)
Cremaschi came on for Bright and injected some energy but struggled defensively. He lost his mark on the set piece that led to Atlanta’s first goal, which shifted momentum back to the home side. While he showed effort, his lack of impact was glaring in a game that demanded more from every player.

Matías Rojas (N/A)
Rojas came on in the 84th minute and didn’t have enough time to influence the game. His substitution was intended to provide a late boost, but he had minimal impact on Miami’s attack.

Leonardo Campana (N/A)
Campana was brought on in the final minutes as Miami sought an equalizer. However, his contribution was negligible, and his introduction did little to change the team’s offensive dynamic.

Tata Martino (5/10)
Martino’s decision to start Noah Allen was bold and largely successful, as Allen emerged as Miami’s standout defender. However, Martino’s choices in the final minutes proved costly. By pushing for a win in the dying stages, Martino’s aggressive substitutions left Miami vulnerable at the back, allowing Atlanta to score the game-winner. Martino’s tactical gamble backfired, and his decision to remove Allen rather than Suarez was widely questioned.

Looking Ahead to Game 3

With Atlanta United taking a 2-1 victory, the pressure now falls on Inter Miami to rebound in Game 3. The spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Messi and Suarez, who will need to improve significantly if Miami is to advance in the playoffs. Martino will likely make adjustments, particularly in defense and midfield, where Miami struggled to contain Atlanta’s quick play.

As Inter Miami returns home, fans will hope for a more cohesive and effective performance from their star-studded lineup. Game 3 presents one last opportunity for the Herons to rise to the occasion and meet the lofty expectations set at the beginning of the season.